Senior Chef De Partie
About Us
Mt Difficulty is Central Otago's leading artisan winegrower with a pioneering Bannockburn heritage. Our world-class Pinot Noir and warm hospitality captures the essence of the region. Our Cellar Door & Restaurant is an iconic Central Otago destination that welcomes everyone from international guests to locals to experience exquisite food and sensational wine, whilst soaking up the spectacular views of Bannockburn and beyond.
About this Role
Be part of a unique experience - we are world famous for our relaxed atmosphere, exceptional service and delicious modern regional New Zealand cuisine that complements our exceptional wines.
We are looking for a talented and passionate Senior Chef de Partie to join our kitchen crew.If you love crafting high quality dishes, working across different sections and being part of a supportive, upbeat team – we’d love to hear from you.
This is a full-time position (minimum 30 hours per week, rostered over five days including weekends) reporting to the Head Chef. We offer a competitive pay rate ($30 - $33 depending on experience), and with our restaurant open for lunch service only, you’ll have your evenings free to enjoy life outside the kitchen.
As part of the Foley Wines Group, you’ll have opportunities to develop your hospitality career across a network that includes The Runholder in Martinborough. You’ll be joining a collaborative team that values creativity, development and delivering memorable dining experiences.
About You
We’re seeking a motivated and team-focused professional who thrives in a fast paced kitchen environment. You’ll be someone who takes pride in your craft and is eager to continue learning.
We’re looking for someone who has:- Proven experience as a Senior Chef de Partie (or similar).
- Cookery qualification - Level 4 or the equivalent of 4 years’ experience working as a chef.
- Confident with menu planning, recipe development and food presentation.
- Solid understanding of kitchen operations, food safety and inventory management.
- Organised, calm under pressure and a great communicator.
- A positive team player with a can-do attitude and genuine passion for great food and wine.
In this role you’ll be hands on preparing and presenting top notch a la carte meals, keeping your section smoothly and contributing to fresh menu ideas alongside our Head Chef.
You will:- Prepare and present high quality a la carte dishes across multiple sections.
- Oversee day to day kitchen operations, ensuring service runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Support menu development and contribute creative ideas to enhance offerings.
- Manage prep lists and maintain accurate stock ingredient levels.
- Uphold the highest food safety and hygiene standards.
- Lead and motivate the team when required, fostering a positive kitchen culture.
- Support stock control, ordering and supplier relationships to minimise waste and manage costs.
- Collaborate closely with peers and leadership to deliver an exceptional dining experience.
We love Central Otago, and we love creating memorable food and wine experiences. If you share our passion, we would love to hear from you.
This is a permanent position and not suitable for Working Holiday visa holders. All applicants for this role must be able to work in New Zealand.
This role requires applicants to be residing in New Zealand and have a current driver’s licence with their own means of transportation.
If this sounds like you, send in a copy of your CV using the link.
Mt Difficulty is part of Foley Wines - a collection of iconic New Zealand wineries and brands from New Zealand’s most acclaimed wine regions. Each with a unique story of New Zealand wine to tell. Our wineries are linked by a common unrelenting purpose; to make great wine that people love to drink around the world – made by land & hand.